New Meta Patent Blatantly Mimics Apple's EyeSight Feature

[MacRumors]

Meta has filed a patent for a feature that closely resembles Apple Vision Pro's EyeSight, Patently Apple reports.

EyeSight is designed to reduce social isolation in VR by making the user's eyes visible to others on an external display. Meta's patent, titled "Embedded Sensors in Immersive Reality Headset to Enable Social Presence," suggests that the company is considering this kind of functionality for its own devices.

EyeSight uses a scan of the user's face to create a virtual image of their eyes on an external display, thereby maintaining a semblance of eye contact and interaction with others in the real world. Apple says that EyeSight "reveals your eyes on the front of your Apple Vision Pro, and lets those nearby know when you're using apps or are fully immersed in an experience."

Meta's approach involves a method for updating a user's avatar in real-time using facial expressions detected by sensors embedded in the headset. These sensors capture signals indicative of facial muscle movements, which are then interpreted using a machine learning algorithm to determine the user's facial expression. The system adjusts the user's avatar accordingly and integrates it into an immersive reality application.

The headset in this embodiment includes various sensors, such as ECG (electrocardiogram), EEG (electroencephalogram), and PPG (photoplethysmogram), which not only track facial movements but also monitor the user's cardiovascular health. The integration of health-related functionalities distinguishes Meta's approach from Apple's EyeSight, which primarily focuses on displaying a virtual image of the user's eyes to maintain a connection with the real world.

Meta's decision to file the patent seemingly indicates its recognition of the value in Apple's EyeSight feature, despite the mixed reviews it has received. While some critics have found the feature unnecessary and predict it could be dropped in future models, its introduction highlights a broader industry trend towards enhancing social presence when using headset devices.

Article Link: New Meta Patent Blatantly Mimics Apple's EyeSight Feature

 

[arkitect]

Well, good luck with that!
If Apple couldn't pull it off I doubt Meta can.

Seeing EyeSight in real life is even odder than seeing images of it.

The person's eyes just do not seem to be "in the right place". They kind of hang sleepily in some mid distance.

It is weird AF.

 

[WarmWinterHat]

Great... Taking the absolute creepiest feature on the AVP and running with it.

 

[epox999]

For them to have wasted R&D dollars on this feature which serves no purpose, and raises the price of the product is so dumb. Predicting this will be the first thing dropped if they ever make a V.2 of this product

 

[Zoboomafoo]

So they achieve a similar goal in a different manner? This is exactly how the US patent system is designed to function.

 

[coffeemilktea]

And to think, it would have been cheaper, more effective, more enjoyable, AND they could avoid patent lawsuits if they just slapped some googly eyes on the front!

 

[contacos]

And what a waste it is. Apple should just get rid of it to bring the costs / weight down as well

 

[phgreer]

That's the one feature I wish they would get rid off. If someone has that on their head you know their not looking at you!

 

[machpost]

Seeing EyeSight in real life is even odder than seeing images of it.

The person's eyes just do not seem to be "in the right place". They kind of hang sleepily in some mid distance.

It is weird AF.

Exactly! It's incredibly weird and creepy in real life, and I figure that most people who don't think so haven't actually seen it with their own eyes yet. Even the pictures of it look weird.

 

[Phaseangle]

Let’s see if they get an import ban

 

[iMac The Knife]

No one should steal CreeperSight from Apple. It is a garbage dump of a 'feature'.

 

[Hopefully Smarter]

They could sell alternate eyes as accessories, just like watch bands.

 

[locovaca]

The image crosses the uncanny valley for me.

 

[Ivander]

But why? Who needs this? Meta instead should put their efforts on better pixel density, OLED displays etc, not that crap.

 

[return2sendai]

Great... Taking the absolute creepiest feature on the AVP and running with it.

That’s Zucks modus operandi

 

[lkrupp]

As for mimicking remember Steve Jobs paraphrased Picasso’s actual quote “bad artists copy, great artists steal.” There has always been copying and stealing in the technology industry since the wheel was invented. While Apple has been a major innovator it has also done its share of copying and stealing. These days we call it sherlocking.

 

[miiwtoo]

funny, same feature, maybe better and cheaper

 

[neuropsychguy]

Exactly! It's incredibly weird and creepy in real life, and I figure that most people who don't think so haven't actually seen it with their own eyes yet. Even the pictures of it look weird.

Is it weirder than interacting with someone with just a ‘normal’ VR headset on?

 

[alfonsog]

I think it’s a good feature.

 

[qCzar]

That's the one feature I wish they would get rid off. If someone has that on their head you know their not looking at you!

These HMD's have cameras, someone could absolutely be looking at you with it on. At least with Apple Vision Pro the eyes on the screen let you know if they are seeing the real world; if there are no eyes then they are immersed in a virtual scene and can't see you.

 

[supersteve]

it will be some poorly made cartoon eyes. look for $5.99 you can have cat eyes.

 

[axantas]

These HMD's have cameras, someone could absolutely be looking at you with it on. At least with Apple Vision Pro the eyes on the screen let you know if they are seeing the real world; if there are no eyes then they are immersed in a virtual scene and can't see you.

I absolutely agree. Looking at someone, who wears such a device shows you a plastic front. You know, that there is a mask and with the Apple Vision Pro there are eyes looking at you. It does not need to be perfect, but you know, there is someone looking at you.

Furthermore: The fact, that Google now filed a patent is kind of a confirmation, that it is a useful feature. Why would they file it otherwise...

I know how I look - just use a mirror for it for testing. It is not great, but I am looking at me.

 

[reyesmac]

Apple is getting all their competitors to do a fools errand of trying to beat them at a device that is clearly overpriced in the hopes they create a device so expensive, once Apple sucks up all the R&D costs from their current version they can release the Pro at its new lower price along with a much more affordable version that is better and cheaper than competitors pro versions and they wont be able to lower the price without losing money.

Apple has a lock on 8k screens, nobody will beat them on that for years and will make a product just as expensive if they try. Apples problem is content, if a cheaper alternative is made, it will be easier to make content on it than on Apples because it doesn't need to be high quality and ends up creating something similar to the gaming situation on Macs, its ok, but its not driving the industry to get in line for it.

 

[Powerbooky]

As for mimicking remember Steve Jobs paraphrased Picasso’s actual quote “bad artists copy, great artists steal.” There has always been copying and stealing in the technology industry since the wheel was invented. While Apple has been a major innovator it has also done its share of copying and stealing. These days we call it sherlocking.

True, but some companies should not try doing things they simply are not good at. Even Microsoft just got hardware from someone else and slapped their logo on it.
In case of Meta... they should better put the energy (and money) into making better software or just end it all. FB is crap anyway.

 

[iamgalt]

That's the feature they chose to copy? Not the high resolution screens, not all the cameras, not the powerful chip, but the freaky looking eyes?